Bonamici: Planning and Investment Needed for Our Coastal Communities

Florence, OR – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) emphasized the value of resilience planning at the Oregon Coast Economic Summit and explained how hazard preparedness will help coastal communities respond to and recover from natural disasters.

“Planning for and understanding the risks associated with earthquakes, severe storms, or other damaging natural phenomenon will help ensure that our coastal communities aren’t irreparably damaged if and when disaster strikes,” Congresswoman Bonamici said. “The ability to respond quickly saves lives, and it allows families, businesses, and the local economy to recover faster.”

At the annual summit, Congresswoman Bonamici spoke about the need for hazard preparedness and her recently-introduced bipartisan Tsunami Warning and Education Act. State Representative Deborah Boone (D- Cannon Beach) and First Lady Cylvia Hayes joined the discussion. As the ranking member of the Environment Subcommittee on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Congresswoman Bonamici has sponsored and helped pass several pieces of legislation addressing coastal needs and priorities, including the Marine Debris Emergency Act, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act, and the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act. The Marine Debris Emergency Act has passed the House; the other two bills have been signed into law by President Obama. In addition to hazard resilience, officials at the conference also discussed measures to help coastal communities grow the local economy.

“My priorities for the coast also include economic resilience,” Congresswoman Bonamici said. “The Oregon coast is a beautiful and special place to live, but economic recession, unemployment, and changing demographics have created unique challenges for coastal communities. We need to ensure that our coastal towns have resources to prepare for natural disaster, but we also need to make sure that they have opportunities to grow and thrive.

“In Congress, I develop and advocate for policies that support small business development, sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources, and improved access to relevant training and affordable education. Whether it’s hazard resilience or economic resilience, our investments in the coastal communities are important for long-term growth and success in the region.”